On 27 November, Wu Hailong, President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, delivered a keynote speech at the Opening Ceremony of the Asia Youth Leaders Forum 2021.

Distinguished guests and friends,

Welcome to the Asia Youth Leaders Forum, co-organized by the China Public Diplomacy Association, China Foundation for Peace and Development, the People’s Government of Guangzhou Municipality, and Asia Youth Leaders Federation.

Recently, I consulted several UN agencies on the definition of youth, middle age, and old age, because I wanted to know which category I belonged to. There is no clear definition, but in any case, I may not be classified as a young person. Some say that the most beautiful scenery of a country is the youth of the country. In fact, youth are more than just a beautiful scenery. They determine the future and destiny of a country.

Young friends, 

You may not be as experienced as us middle-aged or elder people. But you think faster than us, and you are more imaginative and more daring to innovate and update your knowledge. You are the most energetic and ambitious. You are all masters of the keyboard, and you must be better at computers than we are. You must be better gamers. Your pursuit of fashion must be more fantastic than ours. Your language of communication must be trendier than ours. You travel among cyberspace, virtual worlds, and even the now incredibly hot metaverse. There is so much we don't know that we need to ask you for advice, and we need to learn from you. We need to keep up with the ever-changing world or risk becoming irrelevant and marginalized.

Needless to say, there is a generation gap between us. Perhaps your outlook on life, values, and the world are different from ours. You see the world and problems from your own perspectives. You have your understanding and your judgment, but we also have empathy with you. We share your love for the country, your responsibility towards the society, your commitment to your careers, and the responsibility for your missions. You and us, we both need to strive, fight, and contribute. When you encounter setbacks, adversity, frustration, and exhaustion; and when you want to give up, wish to retreat, want to lie down, we can understand. In this stressful world, you need to take a breather, heal and soothe a broken heart, and need a chance to reflect on and adjust yourselves. But you cannot lie down forever; nor can you grow bored now and then. In the end, you need to be confident, take up the courage to stand up again, and look for new poems and dreams.

President Xi Jinping pointed out that as long as global youth are with ideals and commitment, there is hope for humanity and a constant force to advance the noble cause of peace and development. Indeed, the world's future belongs to the young generation. Asia is a place with hope. Young people are the witnesses and beneficiaries of Asian development cooperation, as well as the promoters and practitioners. Currently, Asian development cooperation is gaining momentum, and the stage for young Asians to show their talent will be even wider. At the same time, in the current complex and ever-changing global situation, Asia is also facing unprecedented challenges. COVID-19 has been raging on; the economic recovery is tortuous and challenging; and climate disasters frequently occur. How can Asia overcome these difficulties and challenges? What role can Asian youth play in this regard? Young people in Asia must think about this seriously and take practical actions.

The theme of this forum is Open and Innovate – Cultivating Asia’s Future Through the Strength of Our Youth. It’s in line with the development of the times, and respond to the call of Asia. Asian youth are in the same boat to overcome difficulties together and fight against the pandemic as soon as possible, so that we can ensure the health of Asian people and restore to normal economic development and social life. Asian youth should be unafraid of difficulties, dare to explore, be good at innovation, and contribute to the recovery of the regional economy.

Asian youth should be advocates and pioneers of a low-carbon and green lifestyle, working hard to make Asia a clean and beautiful place to live. Asian youth should be the guardians and promoters of Asian civilization, promoting exchanges, mutual learning, tolerance, mutual respect, and harmonious coexistence between different civilizations. Asian youth need to strengthen exchanges, enhance mutual trust, and promote friendship, striving to build an Asian community with a shared future.

The giant Asian family is the home of every Asian youth, and Asian youth should take good care of this big family. The China Public Diplomacy Association is willing to build a bridge of exchange and cooperation for Asian youth. We will carry out a variety of activities to make the circle of friends of Asian youth bigger, with deeper and closer friendship.

Young friends, 

A new era inspires new vitality, and new mission needs new youth. Asia's tomorrow is yours. The future of Asia is yours. The destiny of Asia is in your hands. Asia's development needs your new commitment and action. If you are strong, Asia will be strong. You are the light of hope for the future of Asia, and you will use your wisdom and hands to create a more glorious and splendid Asian epoch.

We wish you all the best from our hearts.